When we move around, we burn calories. When we we are inactive, we still burn calories, but nearly as many. It stands to reason, then, that getting off our butts is a key component to weight loss. Joining a fitness center is a great way to make this happen, but some people feel like they stick out in gyms more than Paris Hilton would at a Mensa convention. Fortunately, it's entirely possible to torch some calories from the comfort of your home. Here's a look at how.

Jump rope for 10 minutes. If you own a home, this shouldn't be much of a problem. But, if you rent an apartment and it happens to be on an upper level, the people living below you may hate you. Oh well, you can't please everyone. Such are the sacrifices we make for burning 115 calories.

Get down for 15 minutes. Pop in your guiltiest of pleasures and dance around your living room like it's your last day on earth. The good news is that you probably have many, many more days ahead of you, and that you just burned 112 calories.

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It's clear what kinds of foods are bad for us. Anything loaded with sugar, trans fats, and sodium for starters. But do you know what kinds of foods are bad for pets? Think human foods, not pet foods.

It's best to stick with pet foods for the nourishment of your beloved pup. But it's tempting to treat your furry friend to a little table food now and then. And that's what many people do. In 2007, the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center received more than 130,000 calls regarding animal poisoning caused by common human foods and household items. Here are the top culprits.

• Avocados

• Beer

• Chocolate

• Candy

• Caffeine

• Grapes and raisins

• Nuts

• Onions

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Based on a six-year study of 9,000 children, German researchers have stated that having dogs may reduce a child's risk of developing allergies. In theory, exposure to pet-related allergens builds ups a child's immunity and helps reduce risk of allergies, asthma, eczema, and hay fever.

The study used parents' answers on detailed surveys from birth to age six. Blood samples were also taken from a number of participants to test for antibodies in the blood stream.

The same protective effect was not noted in children with repeated exposure to dogs, but without dogs in their home.

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I have a 7-year-old English Bulldog who, other than minor allergies, is as healthy as can be. Considering how much time he spends lazing on the back of my couch it's amazing he's as fit as he is. But a year or so ago he caught quite the stomach bug. I spent several days nursing him back to health. A few days later I was sick, too. I wondered for a moment if I had caught the bug from him. But then I thought, no, because things like that aren't communicable between species. Or are they?

For the most part, illnesses that dogs are susceptible to can't be passed to humans. There are some things that can be passed on though -- ticks, fleas, and worms to name a few. To reduce the risk of puppy illnesses, have your dog vaccinated and visit the vet regularly. Also, dogs need exercise and proper nutrition to stay healthy. As for you and your family, be sure to clean up after your dog frequently and practice good hand-washing habits.

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Is your trainer a real dog? No, literally, is he or she a dog? Well, researchers from the University of Victoria found that having a canine as a pet helps whip many people into shape.

The research suggests that people who own dogs walk almost twice as much per day as people who don't. Dogs, particularly those who spend most of their time indoors, require a considerable physical commitment from their owners. From play time to pee time, let's face it, sometimes it's hard to tell who has who on the leash.

But, as the research reveals, the burdensome task of taking your dog for a walk during your favorite TV show or just about any other inopportune time of the day is actually benefiting you just as much. Think of it as hiring a full-time personal trainer, only this one poops in public and may occasionally get fleas (then again, I wouldn't put these traits past a few human personal trainers I've come across over the years).

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So it's been proven scientifically that having a dog is good for your health, and it's not just because they provide that unconditional love and affection that earned them the title "man's best friend." Having a dog also makes it much easier to get outside and get moving, either walking or jogging, or for some people biking (although that always scares me a little). Well now there's a handy gadget that makes it so you don't have to hold the leash the entire time: the Cardio Canine human harness and dog leash system. It's a belt that goes around your waist with a clip to attach your dog's leash, a place for your water bottle, and pocket for keys or whatever.

This looks great, although make sure your dog is trained well enough not to bolt after a rabbit or other dogs -- getting pulled out of stride like that without your arm to soften the jolt you could easily end up laying on your face or twisting an ankle .


Via Fitsugar

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Staying aware of the emotional health of your family members can also include the four legged members in your household. Does your dog have separation anxiety? Many bad behavior problems stem from separation anxiety. Know the below symptoms of canine separation anxiety and some of the things that can help ease their distress.

Your dog follows you around everywhere you go. Your dog acts overexcited when you return home or when you prepare to leave. Your dog whines and barks while you are gone. Your dog's appetite decreased while you were gone or will only eat when you are at home. Your dog develops digestive problems, and urinates or defecates excessively. Your dog becomes so upset they throw up. Your dog becomes destructive, and digs excessively, or chews only certain items while you are gone.

Here are some suggestions to help decrease the separation anxiety your dog may be experiencing.

Get another pet to keep them company. Take your dog to day care, or have a friend visit and walk your dog. Keep your TV or radio on. Give your dog a really great toy with your scent on it that it only receives when you are gone. Get your dog used to your routine when you are getting ready to leave. Keep your dog well exercised.

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